Chippenham <1>
10th April 1827
Dear Sir –
I am much pleased to hear that Mr Grosett <2> has offered to give up his Lease of the Abbey, being aware of your wishes upon the subject – Mr Darley <3> is getting on with the Map, but I apprehend it will not be completed much before Midsummer –
I will communicate your message to Dr Nicholas <4> – I have just been into Dorsetshire & as I passed thro’ Sarum <5> in my way home, I accidentally met him there & again looked at the Barn in question, about which I quite entertain my former opinion –
I was in Town the beginning of March, in my way from Yorkshire & am not likely to have Business there again for some months to come –
I have appointed Mr Darley to meet Mr Montagu’s Surveyor respecting the proposed exchange of Lands – but we have found it necessary to put off the Meeting for a few Weeks, in order to have the Lands accurately measured – for our accounts did not agree with theirs upon that point –
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged & Obedt Sert
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
1 – Brunswick Terrace
Brighton
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. John Rock Grosett (1783-1866), MP; Jamaican Parliament; occupant of Lacock Abbey until summer 1827.
3. John Darley, architect & surveyor, Chippenham.
4. The Rev Dr John Nicholas (1764-1836), Rector of Fisherton Anger and Vicar of Westport, Wiltshire. [See Doc. No: 01549].
5. Old name for Salisbury, Wiltshire. After the Conquest in 1072, the bishopric of Wilts was transferred to Sarum from Sherbourne.